Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week I can feel the seasons changing. Literally, we've had so much rain and when it isn't raining, the days are getting warmer. Figuratively, we are shifting life-seasons. BigGirl is graduating first grade, and Bubba will start Preschool this Fall. We're moving. Our circle of friends is tightening up. I can feel the changes all around us. It is good.

In our homeschool this week we talked a lot about how airplanes and kites fly: thrust, gravity and drag. In math, BigGirl is mastering greater than and less than. I made some fun learning games for Bubba using leftover plastic Easter eggs, inspiration from Impress Your Kids. Two more UMS school days left!    

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: Bubba and I spent a few hours at Half Price Books yesterday, browsing and reading all the books we could find. I even picked up some Abeka readers and a Singapore Math book for BigGirl's 2nd grade year! Score! 

My favorite thing this week was BSF. We hadn't been in two weeks. It was great to be back in a room filled with women worshiping Jesus mid-week. And the chapters we read from Isaiah were exactly what I needed. We talked about waiting for God, with God, because His timing is more perfect than our own. And when BigGirl came out of her Bible class, her teacher told me that when the class was talking about waiting for God to answer prayers, BigGirl asked her class to pray for the sale of our house, "because it's taking too long." What a sweet child.   

What’s working for us: I've been getting to know fellow homeschoolers in the Creation Conversations Homeschoolers forum. It seems like a great place to share ideas and resources and techniques. That's where I learned about the live Bald Eagle cam! *sigh* {I love homeschooling}   

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: I'll be attending my first homeschool curriculum fair and conference next week! I'm really excited and kind of overwhelmed at the same time. What advice do you have for this newbie?

A photo, video, link, or quote to share… this is Bubba, recorded this week, age 2 and a half:

if you can not play the video above, click here to view the video: http://youtu.be/GUSxD1w9mug 


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this post is linked with love at TheHomeschoolChick.com's The Homeschool Mother's Journal and the Weekly Wrap-Up hosted byWeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com

waiting on God

i kind of get the feeling God is an attention-hog. He looooooves to be in the spotlight, right? if He were going to a party, He'd probably show up fashionably late, and make quite an entrance upon His arrival.


that's a funny thought. but the basic truth is this: God wants us to give Him all the glory in all things. all things. all the time. He already knows what's going to happen and in the end, He always gets the victory, because He wants all the glory. 


i know this about God. but, boy do i need to remind myself a lot. especially lately, with our house for sale and a desire to move closer to my husband's job. selling a house is hard work! and 5 weeks of being on the market feels like an eternity. my thoughts want to go to that place of blaming it on "the market." but my heart and spirit know that God is in control of it all. it takes self-reminding, and lots of prayer. 


God is working on me. He knows where my faith is weak, and He will use that very area of weakness to strengthen me.  

my weakness is in the waiting. 


i'll be real here: i get a little grouchy if i've been waiting too long for my food to come at a restaurant. and that's just a matter of minutes! you can imagine how grumpy i might get when God makes me wait weeks, months, even years, for an answered prayer.   


but God is working on me. 


i know His plan is better than mine. i know His timing in everything is absolutely flawless. in the waiting, though, my faith is tested and tried...and increased. and God gets all the glory for coming through at the "last minute." it's like He's building the suspense. whatever it takes for me to see how faithful and good He is.


at Bible study this week, i sat in a room with a hundred other ladies, but the leader was speaking directly to me when she said: "in the waiting, there is purpose." i've started journaling the "things" we would have missed out on if our house had already sold and we'd moved. an afterschool playdate with friends, my kids helping water the plants in the backyard, coffee with a friend at my kitchen table...none of it would have happened if we didn't live here, now. there is purpose in the waiting.

there is a song on the radio, it loops in my mind and i sing confidently, "strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord...you are the Everlasting God...you lift us up on wings like eagles..."

i pray. Lord, i know there is purpose in this wait and i trust You with my life. i know You have an amazing plan for us, and i don't want to rush it. i will wait, and put my hope in You. 

waiting isn't easy. knowing God makes all the difference. 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." -Psalm 27:14

"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope." -Psalm 130:5

"...the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" -Isaiah 30:18

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what prayers are you waiting for God to answer? is your faith strengthened in the waiting?

happy

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. 

Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 

James 5:13 NIV

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never say never {ten on tuesday}

do you ever do anything or say anything or go someplace that you never in a zillion years ever thought you'd do, say, or go? as i get older (ahem) i'm finding that i'm doing, saying, and going places that i never thought i would for whatever reason. i'm shocked at myself sometimes! but my mom always says, "never say never!" perhaps she's right.

top 10 things 
i never thought i would.... but i did:


1. call my son Bubba. it just came out of my mouth seconds after he was born. and it fits him so perfectly.

2. homeschool my children. i went to public schools, my husband went to public schools, and we turned out just fine. but times they are a'changin' and homeschooling works for our family.

3. see my husband driving a minivan. and he looked so handsome behind the wheel of that swagger wagon. 


4. break Bubba of his pacifier. i was going to let him have it until he was 3. maybe 4 if he gave me that cute face. maybe 5, but only at bedtime, if he was super sweet. {kidding} but he quit on his own cold turkey now 2 weeks ago. CELEBRATE!


5. eat alligator. tastes like chicken. that was a one-time thing.

6. start a nonprofit organization. there was a need in the community and i needed to do something about it.

7. tell anyone about my past. i didn't know how you'd react. i didn't expect so much love. 

8. want to go back to school. i kinda do. i think i'd like to study the latest in technical communication. later, though. like, much later.

9. use an espresso machine the way that i do. daily.

10. want another child. but i do.

...and there you have it! ten good reasons to never say never!

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this week's menu + breakfast and lunch ideas

usually, i only plan a week's worth of dinners for my family. but believe me - my family eats breakfast and lunch. daily. so in the back of my mind, i keep a running list of ingredients to have on hand for breakfasts and lunches. i thought i'd share some of my kids favorite morning and noon-time meals here:

breakfasts
yogurt with granola
cereal (Cheerios are popular)
oatmeal with organic maple syrup
fruit smoothies
waffles
blueberry muffins
toast with nutella
peanut butter oatmeal bake
bacon
pancakes

lunches
PB& J sandwiches
PB& J wraps
chicken noodle soup
macaroni and cheese
grilled cheese sandwich
cheese & refried bean quesadilla
hot dogs
little chicken sticks (Gerber)
Ians organic baked chicken bites
pizza
fruit smoothies
grilled chicken
hummus on crackers

this week's dinner menu

m: crock pot meatloaf, steamed broccoli & baked sweet potato "fries"

t: chicken salad pita pockets, steamed carrots, green beans 

w: slow-roasted rosemary-garlic chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies

h: creamy tomato bisque and cheese toast

f: pancakes, eggs and bacon

Easy Crock Pot Meatloaf (recipe via 4tunate.net)
2 Eggs Beaten 

3/4 c Milk

3/4 c Uncooked Oats
1 T Dehydrated Onions
1/2 t Ground Sage
1/2 c Cracker Crumbs (i used Goldfish crackers! ha!)
1/3 c Salsa
1 lb Ground Beef (i used ground turkey)
1/2 c Ketchup (topping)

1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.
2. Form a loaf and place in a crock pot (you might try spraying it with cooking spray or using a crock pot liner).
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
4. Add ketchup on top for remaining 30 minutes.

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inspired by & linked to OrgJunkie.com Menu Planning Monday

what's on your menu this week? what are some of your family's favorite breakfasts and lunches?

intentional gratitude

Lord, I'm thankful. Here I count blessings to bring me closer to the One Who can be counted on.

345. white sands and blue waters
346. uninhibited laughter, shared
347. protected land and wildlife
348. wave jumping
349. sand castle crushing
350. children entertained by God's creation
351. the view of the moon from my bed, the opportunity to watch it rise
352. rain. fire-drenching rain
353. maturing faith, a growing relationship with my Lord
354. neon boldness
355. my kids little version of the gospel
356. quality time with women i love
357. a holy week of remembrance and thanks
358. 8 days left of school
359. praying something away, the opposite of worrying something into fruition
360. side by side with a dear friend on Resurrection Sunday in church
361. time to wait, opportunity to pray, and to be strengthened
362. bright eggs in the green grass, my little ones hunting
363. a coffee-warm home filled with family and friends, sweets and songs, in honor of the Resurrection
364. tears at sunrise, for thanks, thinking of Mary
365. my Bible-truths-hungry daughter
366. friends appointed by God, and knowing
367. tree pruning insight

 

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Homeschool Mothers Journal

In my life this week I'm contemplating Easter. Since BigGirl was a baby we've celebrated the holiday with colorful eggs, baskets, plastic grass, and bunnies. It's pastel and cute and fun, but I've always known the true reason for Easter: we're not celebrating eggs or rabbits at all. And as my children get older, especially BigGirl, I'm wanting to phase out the eggs and rabbits all together. Easter egg hunts are fun, sure, but I don't really see the point of it. Honestly, all I want to do on Easter is celebrate Jesus' resurrection with my family. My goal, my responsibility, is to keep Christ in Easter. 

In our homeschool this week BigGirl was taking the SATs at her UMS, so we had a very light week. We had fun learning some new ASL signs at a Gorbella's playdate, Bubba played a new number matching game, and we had some great discussions about honesty and self-discipline.  

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing: we didn't get out much this week. Between the weather (rain), BigGirl taking the SATs, and recovering from being gone for 7 days, we needed a low-key week! 

My favorite thing this week was Wednesday. BigGirl planned a special "Family Night" for us, complete with her favorite dinner and dessert menu, a movie, and a huge blanket-and-pillow fort. Quality time is her love language, and it fills me with joy to see her love tank overflowing! It was so sweet.

What’s working for us: Fruit of the Spirit. The kids and I are drinking 1 ounce {of this delicious "juice"} every morning. It makes me feel really good knowing we're all starting our day being good to our bodies.     

Homeschool questions/thoughts I have: After watching the trailer and reading reviews, I am really wanting to get my hands on The Case of the Missing Mountain by Kim G. Jones. BigGirl loves mysteries and puzzles, and this book looks like another great one for our science/creation studies. It's on my list of Curriculum to Buy!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

our Easter surprise, two years ago:

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this post is linked with love at TheHomeschoolChick.com's The Homeschool Mother's Journal and the Weekly Wrap-Up hosted by WeirdUnsocializedHomeschoolers.com

all for you

He was beaten, he was tortured, 

but he didn't say a word.

Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered 

and like a sheep being sheared, 

he took it all in silence.

Justice miscarried, and he was led off— 

and did anyone really know what was happening?

He died without a thought for his own welfare, 

beaten bloody for the sins of my people.

They buried him with the wicked, 

threw him in a grave with a rich man,

Even though he'd never hurt a soul 

or said one word that wasn't true.

Still, it's what God had in mind all along, 

to crush him with pain.

The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin 

so that he'd see life come from it—life, life, and more life. 

And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.

Out of that terrible travail of soul, 

he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it.

Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, 

will make many "righteous ones," 

as he himself carries the burden of their sins.

Isaiah 53:7-10 The Message 

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photo credit: Waiting For The Word

container garden for kids

Celebrate Earth Day with this fun and simple container garden, brought to you byHAPPYBABY. Teach your little ones to love the earth and take care of it! This would be a fun playdate project, but also a great hands-on homeschool science experiment. Little ones will love playing with the dirt and filling their containers!

HAPPYBABY Earth Day Container Garden 

What you’ll need: 
-Recycled HAPPYBABY cube tray or YoBaby yogurt cups (need a coupon? let me know in the comments!)
-teaspoon
-small screwdriver
-Soil (i found bags at the Dollar Tree for $1- score!)
-Seeds (Target $1 section has lots of fruit, flower, and veggie seed packs right now) 
-Water 

1. Clean HB tray or yogurt cup.
2. Poke a small hole in the bottom of each cube. A screwdriver with a small head works well.
3. Fill each cube with soil. Since the cubes are small, a teaspoon works best to fill the cubes.
4. Make a small hole in the dirt with your finger.
5. Add 3 seeds in the hole and then cover the seeds with dirt.
6. Water the seeds with a spray bottle or small watering can. Be sure not to overwater.
7. Place indoors in a sunny spot and water daily or as needed.

Once the plant begins to sprout and has a sturdy stem, you can replant in a larger pot or in your garden. Seeds will begin to sprout in approximately one week!

HAPPYBABY premium organic baby and toddler foods are available atseveral major grocers including H-E-B, Whole Foods, Central Market, SuperTarget, Sprouts, Publix, and online at Amazon.com, Diapers.com, Target.com, and HappyFamilyShop.com.

full disclosure: i am the HAPPYBABY Dallas-Ft. Worth Community Marketing Specialist. however, i blog with integrity and all opinions expressed here are 100% mine and true. 

see the king & view a land

Those who walk righteously

   and speak what is right,

who reject gain from extortion

   and keep their hands from accepting bribes,

who stop their ears against plots of murder

   and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—

they are the ones who will dwell on the heights,

   whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.

Their bread will be supplied,

   and water will not fail them.

Your eyes will see the king in his beauty

   and view a land that stretches afar.

Isaiah 33:15-17 NIV

be a hero for children

Strap on your boots. Put on your superhero cape. Be a hero for Texas children fighting cancer, simply by clicking LIKE on the Heroes for Children Facebook page. 

Heroes for Children provides social and financial assistance to families in Texas with children battling cancer. Heroes for Children programs exist to ease financial, social, and even scholastic struggles young cancer patients face.

Here's your chance to be a hero for children with cancer:

Heroes for Children is one of four area charities competing to win $50,000 in the "Cadillac Cares" Challenge, sponsored by Metroplex Cadillac Dealers. The challenge is on Facebook from April 11 to May 9, 2011, and is sponsored by Metroplex Cadillac Dealers. Facebook votes will decide the winning charity. All it takes is a few clicks for you to be a hero for children. 

GO here:  http://on.fb.me/eYsn3I 

LIKE the page to cast your vote! 

VOTE once a day every day until May 9!

Write "HERO" on your calendar every day to remind yourself to vote for this wonderful charity. 

Still have some superpowers? There are other ways you can support Heroes for Children:

Follow Heroes For Children On Twitter

Donate 

Buy and Donate Items on the Wish List

Be A Superheroes Birthday Club Member

Volunteer

Attend or Buy A Raffle Ticket for Heroes and Handbags

Tell your friends to vote for Heroes for Children on Facebook

full disclosure: This is a paid post.  All this fun is due to the generosity of the DFW Area Cadillac Dealers.  Thanks Cadillac!

this week's menu

we are back from a 7 day getaway, and between dining out and homecooked meals from Granny and Grandma, i was a bit spoiled and didn't have to cook while we were on vacation. as ready as i am to get back into our routine, menu planning didn't come easy for me this week. 

and then one of my bestest friends surprised me by bringing my family dinner on our first week night home! a delicious pizza, calzone, and lasagna from her family-owned and operated Weatherford restaurant, Nizza Pizza. what a sweet gesture! a bonus night of not having to cook!  

m: Nizza Pizza delivered by my sweet friend
t: 16 bean soup with rice
w: chicken and black bean tostadas
h: slow cooker meatloaf (this has been on my menu for more than 2 weeks now and i haven't gotten around to making it yet!)
f: potato leek soup with grilled cheese

how do you transition back into menu planning reality after vacation? i'd love your tips!

happy meal planning!

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backyard season supply basket

every spring, as we spend more time playing in the backyard, our sunscreen and insect repellent usage goes up tremendously. most of the year i store those two things under the kitchen sink. but when i find myself reaching for them under the sink again and again, and putting them back again and again, i know our Backyard Season has begun.

to help us remember to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before going outside, and to make it easily accessible, i put the sunscreen and insect repellent on the windowsill by the back door. it stays there- in a pretty little basket that i found at the Target $1 section- from mid-spring to the end of summer, which is sometimes late September. 

it's not the prettiest accessory of our home decor but it's one of the most functional, that's for sure. both of my kids know before they can go play outside they need to stop at the basket for sunscreen and insect repellent application. even DaddyHall knows right where to go to put on his sunscreen and bug spray before doing yardwork, and then the bottles get tossed right back into the basket. easy!

inevitably, the longer it sits there, other little summery treasures find their way into our Backyard Season Supply Basket: dandilion heads, lost bubble wands, sunglasses, water balloons, pet rocks. the basket becomes a little catch-all of reminders of hot summer days. 

the Backyard Season Supply Basket works for me! where do you store your sunscreen and insect repellent for easy access?

by the way, please make sure your sunscreen and insect repellent is not expired. if the bottle isn't marked with an expiration date, call the 800 number and someone can help you determine when the product is no longer effective.

also, please check the Environmental Working Group 2010 Sunscreen Guide. the sunscreen we were using was in their "Hall of Shame" so we promptly switched to one of the "Best" sunscreens. i think you'll be surprised at what makes a sunscreen good and bad, and how difficult it is as a consumer to determine that from the bottle label.   


Happy Backyard Season!

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this post was originally published 16 June 2010